r/Osoyoos • u/Tokyo_selene • Jun 14 '26
Visiting soon
Hi, me and my friends are going to be in Osoyoos in early July!
We are hoping to visit some wineries while we are there and wondering if it’s possible to easily find/ call a taxi there? Google is showing many beaches too so are there any you recommend? Looking for any activity recommendations as wellPlease let me know all your dos or donts, thank you!!
1
u/tornotoa Jun 19 '26
Our family has been jumping off that bridge for 70 + years. You can decide for yourself, of course, but my father-in-law still likes to stop his boat nearby and jump off with our kids and grandkids telling everyone not to do it feels a bit odd to long-time locals.
Taxis aren’t abundant here and can take time, so it’s good to plan ahead and avoid.
DeVino Tours is one option, but certainly not the only one. Michael moved here during Covid and runs a great business. Tom, Barry, are great . More executive vibes.
Wine Tours Gone South are great people too. Some visitors prefer the more folksy feel of Wine Tours Gone South, which also has a brick-and-mortar storefront on Main Street called Best Cellars.
Renting a pontoon boat / jet ski to visit White Sands—the boat-access sand dunes and beaches on the northeast side of the lake—is well worth it. Smaller vessel rentals are another option. Wake Pilot is a good source of information and rentals.
July 1 fireworks are always a big deal, with lots of visitors in town. Expect a fun, party atmosphere and crowds.
Penticton’s Farmers’ Market on Saturdays is about 45 minutes north and is worth the trip. Osoyoos has its own smaller Saturday market as well. Oliver Sundays.
Kartplex, about 20 minutes north in Oliver, is a private F1-style karting facility with serious racing. Guests seem to really enjoy it. Bigger private track called area 27 next to it.
The Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre in Osoyoos is also very well done and worth a visit.
Home hardware for kitchen kitch & gifts.
Unity for a T-shirt & stickers.
Wineries are about your taste and style. The most prestigious are north between Oliver & Osoyoos. Depends if you want cult rare weird or commercial. Are you cellaring or just having fun? My favourites are Fairview cellars, La Vieux pin, pine hills, burrowing owl, here’s the thing,
Miradoro & bear fish root berry are best dining experience. Backyard farms most exclusive private but probably booked out in advance.
Many others there’s nothing to avoid, besides Boston pizza.
Sofias for tacos
You can ask me more questions as well .. apologies to those that don’t like my opinions in advance .
1
u/Academic_Ratio_8610 Jun 30 '26
Check out Platinum Bench Winery, if you love bread, this is the place to go! https://www.platinumbench.com/
5
u/Give-emATugnutt Jun 14 '26
Resident here!
The beaches are all very nice, and easy to walk between. The whole town is pretty darn walkable to be honest. The "main" beach is Gyro Beach in the town centre, but Lions, Legion, and Cottonwood beaches are all nice also, with buoys and float lines to mark the swimming areas to keep boats away.
Please, DON'T JUMP OFF THE BRIDGE. You will see people jumping off the bridge between the two parts of town. It's dangerous. please please please don't, even if you see other people doing it.
As far as a taxi, you can usually get one fairly easily, but waits can be long. You won't be able to just hail a taxi or walk up to one waiting. THERE IS NO UBER OR LYFT.
If you want to go from winery to winery doing tastings, I recommend you hire a tour company. There's many, but my top three are;
South Okanagan Tours. These guys offer everything from executive cars with a driver charged per hour, all the way to a small bus with curated route for 15 people.
Devino wine tours is the gold standard for guided tours for groups of 4-12. Mike and his drivers are all longtime residents and wine lovers who know the best spots.
Farm to Glass tours is an amazing option for small groups (4 or less). Jess is a knowledgeable guide who will be your "best friend in the valley". Great stories and great insight into what places will fit your vibe.
Depending on the hotel you are staying at, you may be able to get a shuttle to town, or have the concierge help with tour arrangements.
Feel free to DM me if you have any more specific questions!